Grants and variations freeze - have you been affected?

[Conor O'Gorman]

Following lockdowns in March, most police forces were unable to accept first-time grant applications and variations due to the impact of COVID-19 on officer and staff functions. However, most police forces continued to process renewals, albeit with time delays in many cases.

BASC works with firearms licensing departments to ensure their service is effective and efficient. As COVID-19 restrictions have eased, BASC has been urging police forces to resume all firearms licensing services as soon as possible to reduce the backlogs that have been building up since March. We do not want to see anyone with an interest in shooting disadvantaged.

However, we are aware of eight out of 43 constabulary areas that are not processing applications for the grant of a shotgun or firearm certificate, nor are they processing applications for the variation of a certificate.

If you have been disadvantaged by a licensing department not processing an application for a grant or variation please email me at conor.ogorman@basc.org.uk with a short summary of your experience. We will use this to ensure that departments provide a better service.

The police forces currently not processing applications for grants or variations are:

• South Wales Police
• Avon & Somerset
• Gloucestershire
• Northamptonshire
• Northumbria
• Nottinghamshire
• Staffordshire
• West Midlands

 

[Conor O'Gorman]

We have received a number of case studies that we are following up.

Also, to clarify that Northumbia are processing variations and these are being completed within 2-3 days.

 

[Dickie]

Conor I would have thought the trade would be the people to ask how they’ve been affected.
stock not shifting, safes full with items deposit taken for but waiting fo customers to get variation or grant of cert.

 

[Pedro]

Conor I would have thought the trade would be the people to ask how they’ve been affected.
stock not shifting, safes full with items deposit taken for but waiting fo customers to get variation or grant of cert.

Yes, but also individuals. At the very least, lost stalking, whole holidays perhaps, sporting opportunities, (not only stalking but probably many more with grants of shotgun certs). But more seriously, people applying for jobs where they have to have certificates and not being able to get them.

 

[suburban bushwacker]

Twice, very nice helpful-sounding chaps have rung me from the Met, many weeks have passed, I still don't have my variations.

 

[Heym SR20]

It rather looks as if cOVID yet again is being used as excuse for doing nothing!!

 

[8x57]

It rather looks as if cOVID yet again is being used as excuse for doing nothing!!

If they can't do the job give it to someone who can and who is prepared to do it.
Just a big cop out (pun intended).

 

[Carlbrit]

I would just like to say thanks to Wilts police, they completed my variation for a 6.5 within a week !! Well done to all at Wilts police firearms dept

 

[terrier1]

I would just like to say thanks to Wilts police, they completed my variation for a 6.5 within a week !! Well done to all at Wilts police firearms dept

Some can do it others can't be bothered and blame covid.

 

[Shootgun]

Twice, very nice helpful-sounding chaps have rung me from the Met, many weeks have passed, I still don't have my variations.

Just had my variation back from the Met yesterday after 7 and a half weeks, the longest since i'm having a FAC...

Usually is a week or less...

 

[Pete655]

I would just like to congratulate Merseyside Police, variation applied for 2 weeks ago and I have already received my new ticket. Very pleased with that one!

 

[kes]

Obviously all Police forces have shared information on standards so all can achieve best value for their 'customers'. Maybe it will surface as an issue in BASC's year end figures and be the subject of 'lobbying' - maybe not.
I say that because no-one else produces police stats at the moment.

 

[Mike L]

88%

 

[Muntybuck5803]

Big chuck up to Essex Firearms who did my variation within a week and that was over a bank holiday weekend too!! Really can’t complain.

 

[Namman]

Conor I would have thought the trade would be the people to ask how they’ve been affected.
stock not shifting, safes full with items deposit taken for but waiting fo customers to get variation or grant of cert.

We have waited for two months to have a new servant added to our RFD. He has had FAC for over twenty years and is very experienced and knowledgeable. This has greatly affected our business.

 

[biffo]

Kent are just spot on, never an issue.

 

[Dickie]

We have waited for two months to have a new servant added to our RFD. He has had FAC for over twenty years and is very experienced and knowledgeable. This has greatly affected our business.

Then you are who BASC should be chasing for this info in my opinion.

 

[Colonel]

I put in for renewal in good time and had a visit from my FOE and have just had a cover letter, as my FAC runs out 10th Oct. for another 6 weeks. It is what it is unfortunately.

 

[8x57]

The automatic extension will be 8 weeks not six weeks Colonel. Standard practice throughout if you submit your renewal at least 8 weeks before it expires. Not related to the subject of those forces not carrying out work associated with grants and variations.

 

[kenbro]

About 4or 5 weeks ago my variation took around 2 weeks.
Just had another one done and that was turned round in one week.
GMP.
Ken.